Last week, a young boy, who dreams of being a police dog handler, was given a special tour of Staffordshire Police's Tactical Training Unit.

James Ferris came to the attention of Staffordshire Police after a video of him practicing police tactics with his gran went viral last year.

In the video, James is wearing full riot gear while his gran throws pinecones at him as part of his 'riot training'.

Kerry Lawson, a Lead Tactical Trainer at Staffordshire Police, saw the video and decided to organise a behind-the-scenes tour for James.

The nine-year-old was thrilled with the invitation and despite not living locally persuaded his family to drive him from Gatwick to Staffordshire for the experience.

James and the team at the unit (image via Staffordshire Police)

During the day, he had the chance to spend time with police dog handlers, experience police briefings, public order training and was visited by the armed policing team.

He also had the opportunity to look around the police motorbike unit.

James' mum said: "His confidence here has grown, and he's really enjoyed everything he has taken part in.

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"I think he will be a police dog handler in the future without a doubt."

Staffordshire Police said: "We believe it is incredibly important to nurture young talent and ambition, whilst giving young people a real insight into the day-to-day work of our force."